A WOMAN who reported a serious sex attack to police in Sheffield city centre has withdrawn her complaint.
The woman, in her 30s, made her allegation in the early hours of Wednesday, February 13 – sparking a manhunt for the offender.
She told police she was assaulted on Carver Lane, a side street linking West Street and Division Street.
Police cordoned off the crime scene, meaning local ships and businesses were unable to trade until forensic experts had carried out all their inquiries.
Officers stood guard at either end of the cordon, preventing trespassers from contaminating the crime scene.
But yesterday detectives investigating the allegation said the woman had withdrawn her complaint.
A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: “The woman involved in the Carver Lane incident has withdrawn her complaint – I have been advised that police will not be dealing with her for wasting police time.”
The incident prompted calls for increased police patrols in the city centre.
Sheffield Central Coun Mohammed Maroof said following the incident: “I am quite surprised myself that in a busy area like this something can happen. It is a frightening situation.”
Workers at nearby shops also voiced their fears.
And protesters linked plans for a lap-dancing club on West Street to a rise in sexual harassment and said the incident had increased their concern.
n Sheffield Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Service: 0114 244 7936.
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